DIXON — The race for the former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert's seat is starting to get crowded.

Sen. Chris Lauzen, R-Aurora, stopped in Dixon Friday afternoon while touring 14th District to announce his candidacy. The state Senate veteran bills himself as the truest conservative in the race.

"I am a proven traditional conservative Republican," he said, citing his record as a reason people should vote for him.

"First of all, I have experience. I have been doing for 15 years what others are promising to do incampaigns," Lauzen said.

Among his accomplishments, Lauzen cited authoring a bill that was passed in both houses outlawing late-term abortions. Although it ultimately was overturned, it is evidence that two differing sides can find common ground.

"Whether you are pro-choice or pro-life, 90 percent of people agree that that is something that just should not be done," Lauzen said.

The certified public accountant said curbing wasteful government spending and creating a business-friendly tax environment in Illinois are priorities that he would carry to Washington.

Hastert is retiring after more than 20 years representing the district.

Lauzen said he is excited to enter a race that includes Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, former Fermi lab scientist Jotham Stein, Jim Oberwies, owner of Oberwies Dairy and a former gubernatorial candidate, and carpenter John Laesch, who ran against Hastert in 2006.

"It is going to be an absolute struggle for all of us," Lauzen said.

What they're saying about Chris Lauzen...

I just want you to know that you will have my vote on Election Day 2008. Thanks for being Pro Life! :]